Infertility differentials and its socio-cultural consequences in Africa

Tayebeh (Sahel) Taherianfard, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS)

Patterns of infertility in Africa appear to differ from other regions of the world. The concept of Central African Infertility Belt was coined in 1960s. In 1970s it was documented that fertility was relatively low in Central Africa, although extend of infertility throughout sub-Saharan Africa was unknown. Infertility declined from 1970s to 1990s in selected African countries such as Cameroon and Nigeria, while there was no changes in numerous countries even an increase in some as Zimbabwe. Due to high cultural premium placed on childbearing in many African countries, infertility poses serious social problems. This article aims to compare and describe different consequences of infertility in different part of Africa. Data sources are taken from DHS surveys, UNDP, and WHO. According to other studies, each part of Africa has different consequences in this regards. In addition, it seems that the etiology of infertility is different in some African countries.